Livestock guardian dogs, donkeys and llamas protect farm animals from predators while reducing retaliatory killing of wildlife. Their own welfare needs require careful attention.
Livestock guardian animals serve dual welfare functions: protecting farm animals from predator attacks and reducing retaliatory killing of predators by farmers. Their effectiveness in this role is well-documented and they are increasingly used as non-lethal predator management tools in wolf and bear recovery areas. However, guardian animals are themselves working animals with significant welfare needs that are sometimes neglected. LGDs in remote high-altitude areas may go months without veterinary attention, carry heavy parasite burdens and suffer from untreated injuries. Social isolation from other dogs can cause psychological problems in breeds with complex social needs. Donkeys used as guardians require species-appropriate nutrition and hoof care that differs from sheep management. Integrating guardian animal welfare into predator coexistence programmes is an important component of comprehensive welfare management.